10 months ago
Tim Southee to become KKR's new bowling coach for IPL 2026
Imagine a cricket team called the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) that wants to do really well in the next big cricket competition, the IPL in 2026.
They have hired a new coach for their bowlers, and his name is Tim Southee.
Tim used to be a super famous fast bowler for New Zealand, like a superhero for his country's team.
He took lots of wickets and even led his team.
Now, instead of playing, he's going to teach KKR's bowlers how to throw the ball even better.
He knows KKR well because he played for them before.
The old bowling coach, Bharat Arun, is now coaching a different team.
Everyone at KKR is happy to have Tim back because they think he will help the team win more games.
Tim Southee, a former New Zealand fast bowler, is set to become the new bowling coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Southee will take over the role ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
He replaces Bharat Arun, who has joined the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Southee has extensive international experience, having taken over 700 wickets and previously played for KKR.
KKR CEO Venky Mysore stated Southee's experience and leadership will be instrumental in shaping the bowling unit.
- Who
- Tim Southee, former New Zealand fast bowler
- What
- Appointed as the new bowling coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
- Where
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) franchise.
- When
- Ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
- Why
- To leverage his extensive experience and leadership qualities to mentor and develop the team's bowling unit.
Tim Southee's Qualifications
Bharat Arun's Departure
Experience
Tim Southee's Qualifications
Tim Southee is regarded as one of the finest fast bowlers of his generation with over 700 international wickets and has experience as a fast-bowling consultant for England.
Bharat Arun's Departure
Bharat Arun, the predecessor, is moving to Lucknow Super Giants, implying a shift in coaching staff and strategy for KKR.
Role at KKR
Tim Southee's Qualifications
Southee, having played for KKR from 2021-2023, expresses excitement about returning to the franchise in a new coaching role, aiming to help the bowlers achieve success.
Bharat Arun's Departure
Arun's departure marks the end of his tenure with KKR, leading to the need for a new bowling coach to fill his position.
Key facts
- New Bowling Coach
- Tim Southee
- Franchise
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Season
- IPL 2026
- Predecessor
- Bharat Arun
- Southee's International Wickets
- Over 700
- Southee's Coaching Experience
- Fast-bowling consultant for England (2024)
Quotes
Tim Southee
New bowling coach for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and former New Zealand fast bowler.
“KKR has always felt like home to me, and it’s an honour to return in this new role. The franchise has an incredible culture, passionate fans, and a great group of players. I look forward to working closely with the bowlers and helping the team achieve success in IPL 2026.”
thestatesman.com
Venky Mysore
CEO of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
“We are delighted to welcome Tim Southee back to the KKR family, this time in a coaching capacity. Tim’s vast experience and technical expertise will be instrumental in shaping our bowling unit. His leadership qualities and calm approach make him an ideal mentor for our young bowlers.”
thestatesman.com





